Many companies that we partner with are rethinking how they access senior leadership. The demand for fractional senior professionals is gaining real momentum, especially in sectors such as tech, professional services, private equity portfolios, and high-growth SMEs (more prevalent in sub £20M t/o). Fractional professionals are experienced leaders – CFOs, COOs, CTO’s, even CEO’s (particularly in Tech), who work with companies on a part-time, interim, or project basis. They bring strategic insight, commerciality, nous, and delivery capability without the long-term commitment and cost of a full-time hire. Where is the demand? Fractional business professionals can add value to any business that is focussed on growth. When hiring for our clients, they generally stipulate a particular skillset – for example fundraising, project delivery, or preparing for exit. The one consistent ask is that the Fractional Specialist’s we present to them, have sector or related sector experience, often (but not always) gained in a larger company environment. The hiring business wants to be as certain as possible that the incoming candidate will only have to learn the nuances of their company and not have to be brought up to speed on the sector and market within which they operate. This year we have seen the most focussed demand in the following areas: Tech & SAAS Scale-ups Private Equity & VC-Backed Firms Professional Services & Consultancies Family Businesses / Owner-Managed Firms why now? Several factors are driving this shift: Increased PE/VC Activity: Fractional CFOs in particular are now a mainstream tool in PE/VC-backed UK portfolios. They offer flexibility, strategic capability, an understanding of business drivers (revenue growth / margin improvement / capital efficiency / investor reporting / exit readiness), and execution power, perfectly aligned with private capital's financial lifecycle. Business Agility: Organisations need to respond quickly to change, often in areas where the ability to manage these changes doesn’t currently exist in their business – or will prove too much of a distraction for those that do. Fractional leaders offer the flexibility to plug-in expertise exactly when and where it’s needed. Talent Evolution: More senior professionals are choosing portfolio careers, offering their skills across multiple businesses. This flexible, high-impact leadership model aligns readily with modern business needs. Companies now often prioritise agility, value creation, and lean structures — fractional leadership supports all three. What we’re seeing at Amplifi Talent We’re seeing a marked increase in consistent demand for senior fractional candidates, particularly in finance and operational leadership roles. Our clients are looking for individuals who can step into fast-paced working environments, build trust quickly, bring a level or role and sector experience they don’t currently have, and deliver measurable outcomes. The hiring of a Fractional leader is often made in tandem with the recruitment of a professional with the ability to step up into a leadership role once they have gained more experience, guidance, and mentorship. This approach ensures that the abilities and skills the Fractional leader brings is retained in the business as part of a knowledge transfer, therefore the most sought-after fractional leaders possess excellent communication skills and management capabilities. Is This the Future of Leadership? Fractional hiring isn’t just a stop-gap, it’s a strategic choice. For many businesses, it’s becoming a core part of their talent strategy. For senior professionals, it’s a compelling way to shape a career on their own terms, offering freedom, variety, and purpose-driven work. If you're exploring how fractional leadership could support your business, or if you're a senior candidate considering a portfolio career, we’d love to hear from you.